PONY RYDER:Did you have to put it on hold because of your modeling career?

AMANDA MOORE:I wouldn’t say that I put my music on hold while modeling because without my modeling career I would not have had the freedom to focus on music for the last year and a half.

Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

PONY RYDER: How would you describe your style?

AMANDA MOORE: I’m a singer song writer. I wouldn’t compare myself to any artists out there, but others have flattered me with comparison to Carol King and Aimee Mann.

PONY RYDER: Who were your biggest musical influences?

AMANDA MOORE: Growing up, my parents had a lot of love for Country music and as a result I was exposed to a lot of it. Country music is quite literal and speaks to a lot of people. It’s quite narrative and straight-forward. It communicates emotions and eradicates that sense of being ‘alone in the world’.

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I also love 80s music. It represents a turning point for me. When I hear it, I am inspired to dance, sing along and simply feel good. I’m not sure that anyone would catch an 80s vibe from my song writing, but I hope my material reaches people and puts them in touch with their emotions- giving them a sense that it is okay to feel whatever it is they are feeling.

Ph. Jean Baptiste Mondino for Numero

PONY RYDER: Amanda, how do you create music? AMANDA MOORE: It depends on what project I’m working on. At this moment, I have three different projects. I’m scoring for a TV series, composing for a spectacular arena musical along the lines of Walking with Dinosaurs, and I am working on my album.

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The process for the TV work is quite specific. The music has to match the visual and musical references provided to me by the MTV executive. The arena piece is informed by a story line that I visualize. I try to imagine themes that accurately represent the characters and their story arcs.

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Usually I start on the piano. From the sketches I create on the piano, I build layers with timbre and orchestration. Those pieces tend to be around 7-8 minutes long.

As for my song writing, I sit at the piano and dig deep to reach the emotions I’ve felt in the experiences I am having or have had. I try to get into a ‘head space’ of re-living those experiences so that I can get as close to those emotions as possible. When I am successful, the music writes itself. I like to start with chord progressions. From there, I begin to hum a melody that also seems to develop itself. I try to surrender to the path the music in my mind guides me down.

Source: IMG

PONY RYDER: How do you grow as an artist? Do you focus more on songwriting, playing instruments, the musical training…?AMANDA MOORE:I have never been musically trained, so growth is sustained for me in doing the work. That involves playing and practicing. I am very careful about what I listen to because I don’t want to be swayed away from what is truly ‘my voice’ by the music of others. I try to focus on all of the disciplines of music in equal measure.PONY RYDER: And how would you describe your voice and your vocal style? Did you take lessons, and are you still taking them?AMANDA MOORE: I have never taken voice lessons. Actually, I take that back-I took a voice lesson once. I hated it. I find that it is more productive for me to find my own style and trust my own ears and sense of sound to get my vocals where I want them to be. My vocal style is one from the heart and I hope and think that it is driven by emotion.

PONY RYDER: Tell us more about your current projects. Do you tour?AMANDA MOORE:As I said earlier, I have a variety of projects underway. As for touring, once I finish my album, touring to get it out there will be necessary. I will let you and your readers know when I have gigs or a tour planned.

Steven Meisel for Lanvin

Fashion

PONY RYDER: Being more music-oriented than most models, were you paying special attention to music played during the shows you walked for? How important is music to fashion?AMANDA MOORE: Whether I like the music or not, it effects my mood on stage. Even during photo shoots and stills sessions, music is very important. The music selection directs the mood of the assignment, and thus my performance. Artistic disciplines effect one another. Painting, performing music, photography, dance, acting – all share cultural and emotional zeitgeist.

At least, that’s my take- and I want to express the emotional thoughtful times in my art. I draw from all artistic disciplines when I am working.

Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

PONY RYDER: Tell us about your look and your style… Has it changed now that you're working as a musician, as opposed to your days as a model?

AMANDA MOORE:I’m a pretty simple gal actually. Day-to-day, I like jeans and a t-shirt. Sometimes a button down. I don’t wear make-up. I do have an arsenal of heavy silver accessories from belts to rings and beyond. I wear boots most days. I like to be comfortable. I hope that my comfort brings a relaxed and easy energy to the people I am around.

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PONY RYDER: Has music influenced your personal style?

AMANDA MOORE: Music hasn’t influenced my personal style but for the ways music communicates emotion and that manifests in simplicity.

Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

PONY RYDER: How do you see yourself in the future, as a musician and as an iconic name in the fashion world?AMANDA MOORE: I hope to be true to myself, to lead a life and pursuit of art and music with integrity. I respect those who lead by example in areas that improve the world, and I would liketo follow suit.